ISRO Launched Cryogenic Engine: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) said on Thursday (December 12, 2024) that the CE20 cryogenic engine achieved success in an important test at sea level. An important breakthrough in propulsion technology and the future of the country’s space missions. This test was conducted on November 29 at ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
According to ISRO, the test demonstrated the engine’s restart capabilities, an important step for India’s space agency on its path to manned missions. According to PTI, ISRO said, “The CE20 cryogenic engine, indigenously developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, has been qualified to operate at a thrust level of 19 tonnes and has successfully conducted six LVM3 missions so far.” .”
This success is important for Gaganyaan mission
The space agency is working on this engine in view of India’s first manned spacecraft Gaganyaan mission. It has been upgraded to generate a thrust level of 20 tons. Additionally, it is capable of generating 22 tonnes of increased thrust for the future C32 stage. This will also improve the payload capacity of the LVM3 launch vehicle.
What is the specialty of the test?
A multi-element igniter was tested during this process. The igniter is integral to enabling the ability to restart the engine. Restarting a cryogenic engine is no less than a challenge, especially in case of vacuum ignition without closing the nozzle. ISRO has confirmed that vacuum ignition has been successfully demonstrated in previous ground tests.
The sea-level testing introduced an innovative ‘Nozzle Protection System’ to address challenges such as flow separation inside the nozzle, which can cause severe vibration, thermal issues and potential damage. This system has enabled a cost-effective and less complex testing process compared to the high-altitude testing (HAT) facility traditionally used for such evaluations.
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